Raiders relying on young safeties to resurrect 24th-ranked pass defense
Karl Joseph is feeling a lot more like himself these days and it shows. The Raiders first-round pick a year ago, Joseph has been one of the most visible players in training camp while roaming around the back end of Oakland’s secondary with an eye on proving his worth after a rookie season in which he dealt with injuries, frustration and disappointment.
“It feels like I’m a new person,” Joseph told Silver and Black Illustrated. “Last year I didn’t necessarily feel like myself but I’m getting back to it. Now everything feels more smooth. A lot less thinking.”
It’s exactly where Obi Melifonwu wants to be even though the team’s second-round pick this year is just beginning to dip his toes into the NFL waters.
Joseph and Melifonwu are the future for the Raiders, a pair of young safeties who could anchor the team’s secondary for years to come if they develop like the front office expects. For now, though, the duo is simply trying to find a comfort zone in training camp in anticipation of being a big part of Oakland’s defense this season.
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‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'
Like so many Raiders fans, coach Jon Gruden found himself searching for answers after the Raiders’ second-half collapse that cost the team a spot in the expanded playoffs.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Starting Tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Wanted: Defensive coordinator
The Raiders didn’t wait long to begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it’s becoming clear that Jon Gruden has already narrowed his list down.
Raiders' good, bad, ugly
Raiders’ good, bad, ugly
NEWS & NOTES
The Raiders had one of the easier schedules in 2020 and got only eight wins to show for it. Things won’t get any easier in 2021, either.
Looking back at 2020 season
The 2020 season will absolutely be remembered for being one of the strangest and most disappointing in franchise history.
Gruden feeling the heat?
“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”
From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards
S&BI continually scans the message boards across Raider Nation to see what Raider fans are talking about now that the 2020 season has ended for the Raiders. We chose some of the better posts and present them here.
Checklist for 2021
Now that the 2020 season has been put to rest for Las Vegas, the Raiders have shifted their focus to what figures to be a busy offseason as they prepare for 2021.
AFC WEST ROUNDUP
The Chargers fired coach Anthony Lynn after four seasons.
